RICHMOND – Senator David Suetterlein’s Senate Bill 5012, which would make public the votes of Virginia’s powerful parole board, passed the Senate 29-10 Wednesday with a majority of both Republicans and Democrats in support.
A Republican, Suetterlein represents Virginia’s 19th Senatorial District, which encompasses Salem and Bedford and Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Montgomery, Roanoke and Wythe counties
The transparency legislation would make the actions of the parole board public and bring their reporting procedures in line with other Virginia government boards. SB5012 is part of a coordinated effort to bring transparency to the powerful board after an Inspector General’s report revealed several legal violations regarding notifying victims’ families and record keeping requirements.
“Virginians should know who is making these critical public safety and individual liberty decisions on the parole board,” Suetterlein said. “It was great to see so much bipartisan support for this important sunshine reform.”
Eleven of the 21 Senate Democrats joined all of the chamber’s Republicans in supporting the bill’s final passage. The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
Sen. Suetterlein lives in Roanoke County with his wife where their children attend public schools. He is a realtor with MKB Realtors.
